The Great Mouse Detective: The Case of the Emerald Puppet Mouse
Chapter 1: Imprisoned
Our current situation looks hopeless for Basil and I. We are both locked in a small dark, damp cell of some sort; my dear friend was badly injured after a fight and a subsequent fall; and neither of us had any means of escape, or alerting someone to our captivity.
I wince as I attempt to bandage Basil's twisted ankle, once I had seen to cuts and bruises, using the sleeves of my coat. My friend stares at me as I work, methodically carrying out this minor procedure, when he at last speaks.
"Dawson it is cold in here, you'll freeze-"
"I would rather freeze than allow you to remain untreated!" I hiss in response. "I nearly died in scorching heats and other terrible conditions for Queen, Country and you- in the service and on cases!" I spoke, perhaps too harshly, for Basil falls silent, and a quick glance at his face reveals a hint of hurt, though it disappears as quickly as it had appeared.
"So what happened after I was rendered unconscious?" He asks me at length, in his usual analytical tone. "Spare me no details, Dawson- but pray do not embellish them either, as you are accustomed to doing in your writings."
I sigh with exasperation on hearing this. I am fond of the mouse, but he does honestly take every opportunity to criticise my poor accounts.
"Well, if you must know, I attempted to get you to safety." I huff; then on realising what I said, knew that Basil would have me pay the price for sentiment later
"You did, even after what I said?" He asked, surprising not only me, but himself also for saying it out loud and also for even saying such a statement at all.
I nod slowly, almost stupidly.
"You are a mouse of surprises, my dear Dawson."
I feel my face grow warm on hearing that- only for it to cool again quickly as I feel tears of embarrassment flowing down my face. He says nothing, but I can feel his penetrating, steely green glare at me on my utterance of those words.
"The Emerald Puppet Mouse- she...tricked me." I tell him, wringing my hands. I do not dare look at his eyes, for I am certain I will find shame, anger and annoyance.
